Durable or Precious:

If you’ve been in the car market lately, I suspect you have noticed all of the different model levels and packages. Some companies call them S and or use letters like LX, GXE. Ford and Nissan have decided to go a different route with their 2013 offerings. They have readopted metal editions: Titanium and Platinum, respectively.

From Ford we have the 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium. In the Nissan corner we have “The Next Gen SUV” 2013 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum.

The 2013 Ford Fusion Titanium is All-Wheel Drive, has the twin-turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder engine and fuel economy that reaches 31 mpg on the highway, with a combined rating of 25 mpg – the economy the average driver can expect to see. Titanium, durable and fashionable, seems to make sense for a mid-tier vehicle from Ford that has most of the options at a tested price of $35,980. Comfort and conveniences (safety too) include the Microsoft Sync system with navigation, Lane Keeping System, MyKey for young driver safety (or to annoy your boyfriend as a prank), heated seats and the list goes on. 

Moreover, it drives well with a good, yet firm ride giving the Fusion a sport driving experience–one that certainly matches its aggressive and more European exterior. If you are looking for durable and fashionable in a mid-size sedan with AWD, this Fusion might be the way to go.

What about Platinum, though? Nissan has that covered for those of you who want the luxury aspect of your seven-passenger SUV. The all-new Pathfinder is quite the departure from previous generations. Platinum isn’t something I would have ever associated with the previous generation Pathfinder. Can that change?

In short, yes. The Pathfinder has transformed from a boxier and  rugged vehicle to a more refined, curvaceous and, well, Platinum vehicle. Is it the right move for the Pathfinder? The consumer will be the judge, but I can say from driving one for a bit, this is a much larger feeling SUV than before. It has cameras for needed parking assistance, leather, navigation, automatic lift gate, etc. It can also carry seven passengers in relative comfort. Its driving manners aren’t bad with good steering and suspension on the softer side for ride and comfort. The CVT transmission and 260-hp V6 provide a lot more power than one might expect, even in mountain driving.

Do these 2013 models make up the elements they portray? An A for effort and creativity, but still not jewelery.